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WHEREAS, Section 17 (d) of P.D. No. 97, as amended (The Decree Regulating the Merchant Marine Profession in the Philippines), provides that an applicant for examination as Fourth Marine Engineer Officer must at least be a second year high school recognized by the government having served at least five years as apprentice engineer, oiler, or machinist on vessels propelled by motor or steam engines of not less than two hundred fifty BHP.

WHEREAS, Section 23 of the same Decree provides that after five years from the approval of this Act (the Act was approved on January 13, 1973), an examinee for the Fourth Marine Engineer Officers must be a graduate of the Marine Engineering School or its equivalent degree and has served for at least two years as apprentice engineer, oiler or machinist after graduation.

WHEREAS, P.D. No. 97, as amended, had been in full force and effect until it was repealed by R.A. No. 8544 known as the "Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Act of 1998" approved on February 25, 1998 (see Sec. 38, R.A. No. 8544).

WHEREAS, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Regulation 1/15 (Transitional Provisions) Chapter I of the Amended annex to the 1978 STCW Convention provide/s:

"1. Until 1 February 2002, a party may continue to issue, recognize and endorse certificates in accordance with the provision of the Convention which applied immediately prior to1 February 1997 in respect of those seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 August 1998.

“2. Until 1 February 2002, a Party may continue to renew and revalidate certificates and endorsements in accordance with the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 February 1997."

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WHEREAS, Paragraph 4 (a) of Section 21, Article VI of Resolution No. 1 (revised), Series of 1999 of the Board, provides insofar as pertinent;

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"4. FOURTH ENGINEER OFFICER (750 KW or more)

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a. He must be a graduate of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering in a school academy, institute, college or university duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)"

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WHEREAS, the last year of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) curriculum which was structured pursuant to the requirements of P.D. No. 97, as amended, started in school year 1997-1998 which means that maritime schools will continue to graduate students with the degree of BSMarE until school year 2000-2001.

WHEREAS, the new BSMarE curriculum which took effect during the school year 1998-1999 has been structured in compliance with Regulation III/1 - Mandatory'minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine room on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 KW propulsion power or more - which includes completion of not less than six months seagoing service in the engine department in accordance with Section III/1 of the STCW Code.

WHEREFORE, the Board resolved, as it hereby resolves to accept applicants for the Fourth Engineer Officers Licensure Examination who have qualified under the old BSMarE curriculum up to the July 2001 Marine Engineer Licensure Examination; provided, that their practical apprentice ship/seagoing service involved the duties and/or functions of a Wiper, Greaser, Fitter, as Engine Cadet, Machinist or an Oiler.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the following: the Division of Marine Engine Officers; the Regional Directors for dissemination to the maritime schools situated in their area of coverage; the guidance and information of their candidates for examination; the maritime schools for their information and dissemination to their graduates qualified to take the licensure examination.

Adopted: 07 May 1999

(SGD.) EUGENIO L. EBRO, JR.
Chairman

(SGD.) HONORIO D. CALICA
(SGD.) CHRISTOPHER P. MAAMBONG
(SGD.) RODELIO J. LAGAT
(SGD.) ARTURO D. CARMEN
Members

Attested:

(SGD.) CARLOS G. ALMELOR
Secretary, Professional Regulatory Boards

Approved:

(SGD.) HERMOGENES P. POBRE
Commission Chairman

(SGD.) ALFONSO G. ABAD
(SGD.) AVELINA DE LA REA-TAN
Associate Commissioners